A Stronger Tomorrow

For more than 65 years, the Flexographic Technical Association has been the trusted home for flexographic printers, converters and suppliers; all the while providing world-class technical training, in-depth membership resources that help our businesses grow, and a strong network of passionate and expert industry professionals.

 Like many thriving families, FTA is growing. The world of package printing is evolving, and so is its preeminent association. While flexo remains at its core, FTA recognizes that hybrid, digital, offset, corrugated, and other package printing technologies and categories are shaping the future. Instead of moving out of its flexo home, FTA is building an addition—expanding its house to welcome the broader package printing community.

 To offer some insight into this evolution, let’s dig in a little deeper through a Q&A with FTA President Nathan Ridnouer.

FLEXO: What do these changes mean for the rich history of FTA?

RIDNOUER: As Team FTA builds on this “family home” analogy, staff and members will go about it this way. Flexo has been our foundation, and it always will be. But as our family grows, we need more space—not by replacing what we have–but by adding to it.

This isn’t about choosing between flexo and new technologies; it’s about embracing both. Where we are today is much like how the automotive industry is not about electric vehicles versus the internal combustion engine, but rather both modes co-existing to serve different needs. FTA today needs to ensure that flexo thrives alongside all other print technologies—traditional and emerging.

So, what does that mean for FTA? It’s all about strengthening our foundation. Our purpose remains clear:

“To advance the flexographic and package printing production industry.”

We continue to be the go-to source for technical information, training, and community support. But now, we’re opening the door to new opportunities that will help our members succeed in an ever-changing landscape.

These changes aren’t happening overnight or in isolation. After nearly five months as FTA’s new president, I can confidently say this is a shared vision. The Board of Directors and staff leadership came together in January for a strategic planning retreat, where the collective group set a course for the next year, 5 years, and 10 years.

I can’t say enough about the dedication of our present Board of Directors, as well as the ever-present desire of the staff—each and every team member—to succeed. Did you know that nearly half the staff at FTA has 20+ years—even 25 years of service; others have crossed the decade mark; and a few list out with me as newbies. No wonder we so often speak about FTA as a family and talk about tight and lasting bonds. I take great pride in both seeing and reporting that the membership base appreciates everything they do.

Our current strategic direction is backed by deep engagement with members—through direct conversations, the recent membership satisfaction survey, and a training impact survey that identified emerging needs. The message has been clear: evolve, adapt, and grow while continuing to honor our rich flexo heritage.

FLEXO: What inspired this new direction for FTA?

 RIDNOUER: It really comes down to growth. Our industry isn’t standing still, and neither should we.

For decades, we’ve been the leading voice for flexographic printers and converters, and we want to ensure that continues—while also embracing the broader package printing world. This isn’t about shifting away from flexo; it’s about making sure flexo remains a key part of the evolving print landscape and maintains its long-standing position as the pivotal print process in the packaging world.

Keep this in mind. Year after year, demographic study after demographic study has confirmed that flexography is the print process of choice within the global package printing and converting community. We don’t see that changing any time soon. In fact, it’s our intent to make sure it doesn’t.

It was late last year that Smithers, perhaps the most well-respected analysis firm in package printing and converting circles, issued this finding. “Packaging and labels are increasingly important to the strategic future of the printing industry, with annual sales now worth more than half a trillion dollars–$500 billion.”

Smithers credits flexography with being responsible for 52.6 percent of output. Shedding light on just how powerful flexo’s market share is, it notes, “Flexo is followed by gravure with 20.1 percent, offset at 17.9 percent, digital at 1.1 percent and other processes at 8.3 percent.” That said, like FTA, this market watcher fully believes digital will exert greater and greater influence and capture a more significant market share as time marches on.

Findings like that support FTA’s expanded vision.

FLEXO: How will this impact existing FTA members who are solely focused on flexo?

 RIDNOUER: That’s an important question. Our flexo members are, and will always be, the bedrock of FTA. What we’re doing now is ensuring that flexo has a strong place in the future of package printing by fostering collaboration, education, and innovation. Our commitment to flexographic excellence is unwavering—we’re simply broadening the conversation to include adjacent technologies that impact the industry as a whole.

This is an addition, not a subtraction. Flexo remains at the heart of our mission, but we are also making room for those in digital, hybrid, and corrugated printing to be part of our community. That means more networking, more shared knowledge, and ultimately, more opportunities for all members to grow and succeed.

FLEXO: What are some of the key changes members can expect to see?

RIDNOUER: One of the first things you’ll notice is an enhanced FLEXO Magazine that includes a recently launched FLEXO eNews companion that is being delivered bi-weekly to your email inbox.

Through this additional resource, we ensure that the latest package printing news gets to you without having to wait for the printed publication each month. You’ll also see FLEXO News integrated more seamlessly into the website and making it more accessible through a mobile app. This means more industry-driven content, written by a diverse pool of contributors, and a greater focus on real-world applications.

When we consider our underpinnings, we must talk about education and training. FTA’s training and certification programs are the core of what we do and will remain the priority for our existence.

That said, we want to offer more to our members. This means that we will be expanding to ensure our members have the skills they need to thrive by delivering content that is flexible for them and in on-demand, live online, and in-person education opportunities. Through these efforts, we are looking to increase participation in FTA training beyond the pressroom, so that customer service, sales and other professionals contribute to our quest for industry-wide excellence.

FLEXO: How is FTA building stronger communities within the organization?

RIDNOUER: Strengthening our core means strengthening our people. We’ve seen firsthand the power of dedicated volunteers through the success of Women of Flexo. That’s why we’re investing in building more communities that empower and connect members. Our next step is the launch of an “Emerging Leaders” community—designed to cultivate the next generation of FTA volunteers and industry leaders. To drive this growth in volunteer-driven efforts, we’ve hired FTA’s first Membership & Community Manager.

But we’re not stopping there. Imagine the possibilities: hybrid and digital communities that bring members together in new ways, expanded support for the corrugated segment, and more targeted initiatives to serve overlooked industry needs.

FLEXO: Where do you see FTA by 2035?

 RIDNOUER: Our vision is ambitious but achievable. By 2035, we aim to be the premier technical resource for flexographic and package printing, representing a great majority of our industry’s printers and converters. We will see more companies taking advantage of our training programs, more members engaged with our events, and a larger, more connected community of print professionals working together to push the industry forward.

Over the next year, 5, and 10 years, you’ll see us make greater investments in education. This includes a stronger focus on growing our digital and hybrid content to make up at least 10 percent of total revenue and membership.

For those joining us in Pittsburgh this May at FORUM INFOFLEX, you will see how our education program is evolving, with multiple technical tracks and a significant increase in printer and converter attendance. FORUM has been an annual event since 1959; INFOFLEX was added as a complementary tabletop that evolved into a full fledge exhibit, starting in 1982. A great many FTA members have long since come to identify the event as an essential element on their annual calendar.

FLEXO: What’s next for members who want to be part of this evolution?

 RIDNOUER: Stay engaged! Read FLEXO Magazine, attend FORUM INFOFLEX, participate in training programs, and most importantly—share your voice. This expansion is about serving our members better, so we want to hear what you need to be successful. Together, we’ll build an even stronger FTA for the future.

This evolution won’t happen because staff dictated it—it will happen because passionate, knowledgeable volunteers stepped up and said, “This is what we need.” If you want to be part of shaping FTA’s future, I encourage you to reach out to me directly at [email protected]. Your voice matters, and together, we will build a stronger, more connected FTA.

We’re excited for this next chapter, and we hope you are too. Change isn’t about leaving the past behind—it’s about making sure we’re ready for the future. And that future looks bright for flexo and package printing alike.

If you’re curious about how FTA is evolving and want to see these changes in action, we invite you to join us at the 2025 FTA FORUM INFOFLEX in Pittsburgh this May. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with industry leaders, discover the latest innovations, and be part of the conversation shaping the future of package printing. We look forward to seeing you there!